New Delhi: India and Japan have ramped up their military-diplomatic engagements in recent weeks, highlighted by the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi and the ongoing Exercise Dharma Guardian in Japan.
The 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks, held from March 6-7 in Delhi, focused on key areas such as annual defense cooperation plans, military education, domain expert exchanges, collaboration in niche technologies, and operational training.
According to an official statement, the Japanese delegation was also briefed on the Indian Army’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Additionally, the delegation held discussions with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), India’s leading military think tank.
Simultaneously, Exercise Dharma Guardian, the annual joint military drill between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF), has been underway at Japan’s East Fuji Training Area since February 24 and will conclude on Sunday. Established in 2018, the exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and deepen military cooperation between the two nations.
The primary focus of the drills includes counter-terrorism strategies, peacekeeping operations under a United Nations mandate, and combat training in semi-urban and jungle warfare scenarios.
These initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening defense ties between India and Japan, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional security and military collaboration.
